Ballad of a Celtic Ghost: Part One of 'The Vindolanda Saga' by Bennett Jon

Author:Bennett, Jon [Bennett, Jon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

“How can you not deny this?” Moltouloku pointed his fat, gold-laden finger at Urfa. “We all can see the profit you gain from Roman friends. Yet when are we to receive the slightest remuneration we know that we deserve?” The obese merchant turned to Stenolobrius, nodded, then back to Urfa. “Are you willing to accede on behalf of your people?”

Anger framed the words of Urfa. “Be quiet with this venom lest I shall curtail your words with an eternal silence.” He got out of his chair and moved over to the merchant, who backed away in fear. “No-one is in any doubt where your considerations lie. You talk of remuneration! Without the Roman trade how empty would your purse be?” Urfa leaned in closely to the face of the merchant. “How have I profited beyond what was mine to take? My alliance with Marcus is that of necessity, not bred from treachery over and above you all…” He moved past and addressed the other members of the counsel; “…for we have no choice in this. An instinct of survival must govern our every move.”

“What did this favour get you?” Esualis interjected.

Urfa was stunned by these words, in particular the man that raised this fresh enquiry.

“Esualis, my brother.” Urfa was visibly hurt; “Do you also accuse me of flagrant profiteering?”

Esualis looked downtrodden, but shrugged. “Then name the motivation that led to Wroth’s death on behalf of six Romans?” He looked on Urfa with a strained expression. He did not want to voice this but the truth had to be sourced. “Five Romans...already dead! How can you justify this? Our brother lies in the earth, his family cursed with grief. And for whatever reasons these Romans still expect us to fight their every battle.” He then turned to the others. “For if money was exchanged, then the justification may at least be merited....” He then turned back to Urfa; “...but we all deserve our share.”

Urfa lost all composure and ran at Esualis. With one hand around his throat he swept the legs from under him and pinned him to the ground.

“How dare you accuse me? How much money would suffice for the life of a Textoverdi? How much did you value Wroth? Or Stenolobrius’ life? What ransom pay for Aodh? I will gladly pay you what you think they are worth just to get you out of my life, you craven coward.” He backhanded him violently. “That is my disgust for you.” Urfa released his hold upon Esualis and turned back to the others. “Which of you think this way? Know that it has not gone un-noticed that a change has come upon us...” he sighed deeply, took another deep breath then calmed himself. “Now is the time to speak your mind. Teutorigos...?” Urfa turn to his old friend; “...I trust you to give an honest answer. Please, do not meddle your words.”

Teutorigos contemplated his answer before responding. “I ask you what would have happened had we not travelled north? Would our

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